Spending Xmas on the Beach has been a family tradition for many Australian families- and who can blame them! Sunny blue skies, the sound of crashing waves, salt-infused air and plenty of running space for the dog… it beats sitting at home watching The Ghost of Christmas Past.
But Christmas on the beach doesn’t always go to plan – with anything from shade shelters blowing over, to eating your Christmas ham with grains of sand.
Here are our top Xmas on the Beach tips to having a Merry Christmas on the beach to help you this season:
· If you want to pitch a shade shelter, always point the opening of your tent downwind, so sand doesn’t blow in. This will prevent the majority of your sand-related problems.
· Baby powder is great for removing sand. It absorbs moisture from your skin and allows for the sand to easily come off. Sprinkle it anywhere from your hands and feet to your hair. Once you try it, you won’t want to head to the beach without it. If you don’t like using baby powder or prefer using something more natural, you can also use cornstarch, and it works just as well.
· A beach chair is worth the money & the effort of carrying it down to the beach. It’s so much more comfortable to sit up, out of the sand, than to be on your towel. (Unless of course you’re taking a delicious nap … but then again, this is a trip with kids, right? One can dream though!)
· Baby wipes are your friend. You can use them to wipe off your hands after a sticky round of sunscreen.
· Slip, slop, slap! You don’t want to spend the next week of your holidays treating sunburn. Apply sunscreen BEFORE you go to the beach, wear a hat and having a summery caftan will not only look fashionable but protect your skin from harsh U.V rays.
Gold Coast beaches we highly recommend include:
Burleigh Heads Beach, Gold Coast
A combination of it’s beautiful views and dual popularity with those who like to swim in the protected waters and those who love to surf around the headland, make this beach perfect!Venture along the rocky foreshore and through rainforest, for the chance to see whales in spring and sea eagles soaring along the coast.
Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast
The three-kilometre strip of golden sand between Surfers Paradise and the Pacific Ocean is Australia’s iconic beach. Stroll along the esplanade to discover the beachfront markets or swim in the ocean safely under the supervision of lifeguards.
South Stradbroke, Gold Coast
Locally known as “South Straddie”, this is a perfect getaway from the crowds. Rent a vessel with Capri Boat Hire and cruise over for the day, enjoying the haven of sunshine and remote sandy shores.